Chronological History of the American Civil War

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seaworthy ships had to leave for deeper waters. A few Union gunboats still patrolled the waters here. The White House receives word of former President Martin Van Buren, our 8th president's death. Friday, July 25, 1862 : Bolivar diarist, planter, merchant, and city leader, The Pillars’, John Houston Bills writes: “Visit Hickory Valley, find the RR station a smouldering ruin, burned this morning by Confederate Cavalry, with upward of 100 bales of cotton. My own yet at the gin safe. A fight is expected at Bolivar.” Today, many small battles were fought, leaving good men dead or dying on their fields at such places as, Summerville, Virginia; Courtland and Trinity, Alabama, Clinton Ferry, Tennessee, Mountain Store, Missouri, Holly Springs Mississippi, on Pearl River and Lake Pontchartrain, Louisana, and nearby Pass Manchac. Saturday, July 26, 1862 : John Houston Bills continues in his diary: “Some rain this morning. Great stir amongst the Troops. Fortifications going on rapidly, falling back from Middleburg. We are now on the outside of the Federal lines.” More small battles fought at Orange Court House, Virginia, Tazewell, Tennessee; Mill Creek, near Pollocksville, North Carolina, and Spangler’s Mill near Jonesbrough, Alabama. Sunday, July 27, 1862 : It was yet another day of minor skirmishes here and there, but no preparation for, recovery from, or conduct of major battles or operations. Some of these were in connection with what was known as “operations”--more than an exploration, but less than a planned battle. One such proceeded from Rienzi to Ripley, Mississippi; another one went for a couple of days between Woodville to Guntersville, Alabama. One action big enough to be classified as at least a “skirmish” took place at Toone’s Station (also known as Lower Post Ferry), Tennessee. Hardeman Countian, John Houston Bills of “The Pillars” in Bolivar writes: “Attend Episcopal Church. Many Federal soldiers are present. At the end of the Service and before Sermon a general stampede of Soldiers, Confed Cavalry approach to P.T. Jones, and drive in the picketts. A battle eminent.” Across the world from here in Canton, China a hurricane kills 37,000 people. Monday, July 28, 1862 : John Houston Bills continues in his diary: “We expected to be awake by the terrible sound of Artillery and Musketry, but find all silent. No approach of Confederates, either Infantry or Cavalry. No one allowed to pass out. Much trouble with our servants. No government. No work going on.” In Brig. General, Grenville M. Dodge’s (U. S.) reports from Trenton, Tennessee, “The attack was made early this morning about 8 miles south of Humboldt on two companies of my cavalry. They attacked in front and rear, and I have no doubt but our cavalry behaved badly, scattered and ran. Bryant immediately made preparation for them, and is now pushing through to connect with the Jackson forces. There is no doubt of there being a large body of the enemy south of the Hatchie, and that these attacks are made by parties from that force. They took Brownsville two or three days ago and are destroying immense quantities of cotton. I am posted on all their movements so far, but I cannot get a satisfactory account of the strength of the band north of the Hatchie. All my cavalry are under Bryant, and have gone with instructions to open the road to Jackson at all hazards. Loss this morning 10.” Tuesday, July 29, 1862: Another attack today, is located near Denmark, a Confederate force arrived at Hatchie Bottom, when they learned of a Union cavalry position nearby. The cavalry, commanded by Brig. General John Logan, (U.S.) was attacked by the Confederates. The cavalry was eventually routed

and quickly fled the area. Isabella Marie Boyd, (pictured) best known as Belle Boyd or “Cleopatra of the Secession,” was a Confederate spy that in May 1862, had helped with “Stonewall” Jackson’s (CSA) victory at Front Royal, Virginia was captured for spying. Her lover gave her up to the Federals, but she was released a month later on lack of evidence. For her contributions, Isabella Boyd was later awarded the Southern Cross of Honor. Wednesday, July 30, 1862 : The citizens of New Orleans, in a last act of desperation as the Union forces closed in on the city, had donated every bit of brass they had to be

melted down and made into cannons. Even the bells of local churches were taken down. Before they could be recast, the city fell, and military governor Benjamin Butler (U.S.) again confiscated the material as contraband of war. Today, the bells were sold at auction in Boston, where he had shipped them.